As you search for the right real estate professional, there are many factors to consider. No matter if you are looking to sell a home or buy a home, working with the right agent is the best way to ensure you find the home or the buyer you need and that the transaction works in your favor. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices we are standing by to help you with all your real estate needs. Contact us at (310) 373-0021 to learn more, or read on for four tips on what to look for when choosing a California real estate agent.
1. Choose an experienced real estate agent
It is not rocket science to know that you want an experienced real estate agent. However, it is not enough to know that they have experience – you must consider how relevant that experience is. For example, if an agent has been absent from the market for twenty years and is just getting back into the industry, their experience is not going to be as relevant as an agent who is active.
You should also find out if your agent works alone or for a team leader. If they are someone else’s employee then that is a good sign that they are not a leading agent. On the other hand, when you work with a person who handles their own listings from start to finish, you will be working with someone who is both experienced and motivated to provide you with the best possible result.
2. Make sure they understand local real estate
A real estate agent who is active in San Diego is not necessarily going to be the best person to choose if you want property in Los Angeles. The fact of the matter is that California has an ever-changing real estate market and it varies from city to city – and even sometimes from neighborhood to neighborhood. You want an agent who has personal experience with your specific market.
3. Find out how they plan to proceed
You want your agent to be clear with you on how they package offers, what level of documentation they include, how they will market your home, etc. You are looking for an agent who is professional, organized, and has a plan in mind. Simply sticking a “For Sale” sign in your front yard is not enough. After all, you could do that yourself.
4. Work with an agent who will tell you the truth
If you are buying a home, you want an agent who will not mislead you about how perfect a listing is, only to get there and find out that it is not as advertised. On the other hand, you do not want an agent who runs an open house and tells you it went better than it did. You want an agent who will give you the whole truth – whether good or bad.
If you are ready to get started with an experienced, local real estate professional who will be with you every step of the way, then we welcome your call to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices at (310) 373-0021.